New

Department Head - Sensor Command & Control Department - FACULTY -FREEPORT, PA

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Freeport
Mar 05, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Sensor Command and Control (SCC) Department. SCC provides intelligence to the Electro-Optics (EO) and Electronics systems within the Division. This includes: electronic and firmware control of directed energy and imaging systems; monitoring and safety systems; test set development, including hardware and software loop (HWIL/SIL); and user interface (UX) design through visualizations, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). This position reports to the EOE Division Head, works out of ARL's Freeport, PA location, and may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You Will: Provide organizational leadership to the Sensor Command & Control Department including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention Serve as a principal investigator and manager on department programs, leveraging subject matter expertise in the areas of sensor hardware electronic and software integration, applying leadership and systems engineering expertise to ensure successful programs Execute projects involving the design and development of prototype electro-optics and electronic systems for military and intelligence community applications Basic and applied research in the development, integration, and evaluation of high performance EO systems and sensors, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry, and government stakeholders to solve EO problems and develop solutions supporting military and IC customers Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of high performance EO & electronic systems Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL's position of trust and contribute to the strategic mission of the EOE Division Additional responsibilities for higher level position include: Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, and supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers and technicians Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches Devise, plan, and lead projects solving extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products or technologies Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation Participate and contribute to ARL's strategic plan Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience. Required skills and experience includes: A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing projects related to sensor command and control Developing and managing projects for DoD applications Broad understanding of electro-optics & electronics systems and the integration of the supporting software, control and other electronic design options as it relates to DoD system applications Substantial knowledge / awareness in electro-optical system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation 5+ years' experience of proven supervisory or project leadership Preferred areas include (but not required): An advanced degree in a related field Significant leadership experience within DoD EO and electronic systems Modernization of communications and electronics warfare systems Advancing the convergence of sensing and software Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe subject to government background investigation to upgrade clearance, eligibility if required. Your working location will be full on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines